Israel recognises the sovereignty of Morocco in Western Sahara adding complexity to territorial disputes in the region
Algeria suspending gas supplies to Morocco and the latter import of LNG to fulfil its energy needs is a manifestation of geoeconomic change in North Africa.
Yesterday, the Moroccan Royal Court announced that the King has received a letter from the Israeli PM stating Israel's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara. The landmark announcement was preceded by Israeli politicians plea to the PM in June to recognise the sovereignty.
Nonetheless, Israel has not technically made an official announcement in that regard. It is Morocco so far stating such a claim.
The alleged recognition elevates the recently growing ties to a new level. Both countries began deepening ties with the signing of the Abraham Accords. This has resulted in increased Israeli investments and tourism in Morocco. It also led to growing military ties including Israel opening up advanced weapons factories for local and African markets.
While an Israeli recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over disputed Western Sahara is a diplomatic win for Morocco, its impact legally and politically will be limited. This suggests that Morocco sought to extract a concession from Israel in exchange for deepening ties. It seems also like a precursor for inviting Israeli investors to invest in the Sahara. Israel may also expect Morocco to reciprocate by recognising Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem and/or the Golan Heights.
Algeria refuses Morocco's attempts to resolve the dispute unilaterally. It has as a result sought to deepen military, economic and political ties with Iran regionally and Russia and China internationally. Iran has been seeking to expand its Africa footprints which includes the recent arrival of a shipment to Misrata seaport in Libya and the reopening of diplomatic missions in Egypt and Libya.
Days before the recognition, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sent an envoy to Algeria who voiced public opposition to the Moroccan warming ties with Israel including the recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over disputed Western Sahara. The position was well-received in Algeria, but Morocco deemed it as an unwelcomed interference. Algeria has been seeking to play a greater role in Palestine/Israel by offering free fuel shipments to Gaza and sponsoring national reconciliation dialogue. There are also suggestions that Hamas military wing is operating in Algeria against Israel in some capacity.
The security landscape in North Africa is changing rapidly. Territorial disputes are a new source of stirring conflicts across the region. Israel and Palestine conflict is yet again reshaping the region's geopolitical and geoeconomic ties. Algeria suspending gas supplies to Morocco and the latter import of LNG to fulfil its energy needs is one example of such change. New shipping routes are also being established to reflect the re-alignmemt of ties.